Date of Birth: June 14, 1942
Date of Death: March 22, 2016
KOPECK – Beatrice Kopeck (nee Aichele), beloved wife of Orest Kopeck, passed away on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 with family by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Her memory will live on through her loving husband of 54 years, Orest Kopeck; her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Lorraine (Nelson) Waldbauer of Winnipeg, children: Cory (Kerri), Garrett (Jennie) and Tyler. Geraldine Kopeck of Calgary, children: Graham Robinson and Jennifer Robinson. Darren (Sylvia) Kopeck of Gibsons, children: Caytlin, Brett, Sydney and Tyson (Deirdre) Chaban. Don Kopeck of Vancouver; great- grandchildren, Adrian, Addisyn, Owen, Miah and Brynnlee.
She is also survived by her brothers, Norman (Sylvia) Aichele, Vern (Deanna) Aichele; her sisters, Shirley (Nick) Boulin, Ivy (Taras) Fedak; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Beatrice was predeceased by her father, Edward Aichele; her mother, Edna Aichele; her sister, Gloria Aichele; and her youngest son, Terry Kopeck.
Beatrice was born to Edward and Edna (nee Schrader) Aichele on June 14, 1942 in Yorkton, Sask. She grew up on a farm near Willowbrook, Sask. and attended school in the Willowbrook area.
Beatrice married her life partner and love of her life, Orest Kopeck on Sept. 27, 1961 and raised their family of five children in Melville. They continued their life together in their home in Melville on First Avenue. She was a homemaker for most of her life, but took pride in working at the Classic Inn once all the kids were grown. Beatrice worked alongside her husband, as his right hand on many of his wood building projects, remodeling and refinishing jobs and made sure it was done to perfection.
Beatrice was known as a woman of many talents and passions, which she took much pride in. She could always be found tinkering with something that was broken and bringing new life back to it. She loved to work with wood and build dollhouses, birdhouses, doll furniture, wooden toys, yard ornaments, etc. She loved to make quilts, crochet, play cards and play on her computer. Other pastimes included bowling, involvement with the Catholic Women’s League and just going to the Dairy Queen for coffee.
Beatrice loved the outdoors and nature, including gardening, camping, fishing and all animals. Her loving and caring personality gravitated towards helping those who needed it most. Her life was not one without health struggles, including three brain aneurysm surgeries and recent back surgery. She always faced life’s challenges head on and was prepared to win the fight with courage and determination.
Beatrice was diagnosed with cancer in August 2015 and hospitalized and then was moved into St. Paul Lutheran Home in December 2015. During her illness she was surrounded by family and friends who were able to spend precious moments with her, which she treasured.
The funeral mass was celebrated on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville with Rev. Fr. Mieczyslaw Burdzy, OMI as the celebrant.
Arrangements by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
